Boats & Beaches

Halifax is ideally located for anyone who loves being on the water. With yacht clubs, beaches, lakes, rivers, and municipal pools around every corner in Halifax Regional Municipality, you'll never be far from your favourite water activities!

Sailing & Yacht Clubs

As a city surrounded by water in addition to numerous lakes and rivers, it's no big surprise that there is a vibrant and active sailing and aquatic community throughout Halifax.

There are numerous Yacht Clubs on Halifax Harbour, the Northwest Arm or Bedford Basin that are home to boats of all sizes. Most clubs also offer sailing lessons for adults, youth and children. In addition, there are many private docks at homes, particularly on the Northwest Arm, that are home to boats large and small. On any given day from early May to late October you are likely to see boats of all sizes cruising, raising or tied up visiting along the waterfronts. Most of the yacht clubs in the area are located in close proximity to neighbourhoods or communities with various housing options.

In addition to boats that call Halifax home, we also play host to boats of all sizes that make stops to Halifax as part of their sea voyage. From mega-yachts to massive sailboats and everything in between, Halifax has long been a destination fro those who love the sea.

Paddling & Rowing

As well as sailing and boating, Halifax has a long standing love of other water sports and activities including canoeing, kayaking, jet skis, surfing and more. During the late-Spring and Summer months many of the lakes throughout the area are home to active paddling and rowing teams who participate in numerous races and competitions. Most of these clubs also offer  lessons in paddling and day camps for kids.

Kayaking is a popular sport on many of the lakes in the area and for the adventurous, kayaking is also done on the Halifax Harbour and Northwest Arm. It is a very common sight to see kayaks on the harbour digging ferries, container ships and other boats along the way. Kayak Halifax, located on the Halifax waterfront, offers kayak rentals and tours for all.

Surfing & Swimming

Surfing in Nova Scotia has seen a real boom in the past number of years. Surfers flock to NS and to the beaches within the HRM for what has been called "world class" surfing. The coastline around NS, the climate, and the potential for big swells during hurricane and storm season make this the perfect destination for surfers from all around the world. At the first hint of a pending hurricane or tropical storm in the late Summer and Fall months, surfers from all over the world decent on the beaches around the province.

Beaches in Halifax

Two of the most popular beaches located on the outskirts of Halifax; Lawrencetown and Cow Bay are popular thanks to their proximity to amenities offered in the Dartmouth and Halifax area. Surfing conditions vary by time of year. This is a great overview of the best times to surf in Halifax by season.

There is no lack of places to cool off during the warm Summer days in Halifax. The municipality operates a number of outdoor pools and splash pads in the area including the Bedford Outdoor Pool on Shore Drive, the Commons Outdoor Pool in Central Halifax and the Cole Harbour Pool in Dartmouth. Splash Pads are located in and around the Halifax area as well as in Lower Sackville.

There are a number of supervised beaches throughout HRM mostly located at the many lakes in the area. These beaches generally open on Canada Day, July 1st, and are supervised until the end of August. For a full list, click here.

Black Rock Beach located in Point Pleasant Park in the South End of Halifax and the Dingle Beach located in Fleming Park in Halifax are both unsupervised beaches that are on the shores of Halifax Harbour and the Northwest Arm.

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